Newport Beach is known for its mild year-round weather, laid-back vibe, and stunning natural scenery. Newport Beach vacation rentals allow you to experience the comforts of home while exploring the nature, shopping, dining, and culture in Southern California. Whether you’re traveling with the family, on a romantic getaway, or vacationing with a group, Newport Beach has something for everyone.
Here are some of our favorite things to do in Newport Beach.
1. Crystal Cove State Park
Crystal Cove State Park covers 3.2 miles of beach, 2,400 acres of backcountry wilderness, and an offshore underwater area. As one of Orange County’s largest protected open spaces, Crystal Cove State Park is a play center for hikers, bikers, and equestrians. The park also includes the Crystal Cove Historic District, which is a federally designated Historic District covering more than 12 acres. The area is home to 46 vintage cottages originally built as a seaside colony. One of those cottages has been restored to offer beachfront dining.
2. Newport Beach & Harbor
Newport Harbor is the largest recreational harbor on the West Coast. Located in the heart of Newport Beach, the Harbor offers opportunities for paddleboarding, kayaking, and beach-going. Newport Beach is on the Balboa Peninsula, which is home to both the Balboa Pier and the Newport Beach Pier. There’s shopping, dining, and more along this popular stretch overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
3. Fashion Island
Need a little retail therapy? Fashion Island is an oasis of luxury shopping and dining, and it’s a must-visit for shopping and fashion enthusiasts staying in Newport Beach vacation rentals. Fashion Island is truly California, offering valet, a complimentary trolley, and a team of complimentary personal shoppers. Enjoy the ultimate luxury shopping experience here.
4. Balboa Island
Accessible by ferry or over the bridge, Balboa Island is a man-made island with homes, shopping, dining, and boardwalks. Marine Avenue is home to nautically inspired shops, cozy restaurants, and the famous Sugar 'n Spice Frozen Banana. Roam the colorful streets of Balboa Island, and you may never want to leave this gem.
5. Orange Coast Winery
Orange Coast Winery has been awarded the best Orange County winery in 2017 and 2018. The tasting room is open weekday evenings from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Orange Coast Winery serves a light food menu with appetizers, cheese and meat boards, flatbreads, and desserts. Stop by on Wednesday night for live music!
6. Whale Watching
Whale watching is a spectacular activity in Newport Beach, and you can catch a glimpse of the massive creatures year-round. A whale-watching expedition in the summer and fall might afford you the opportunity to see a blue whale, while winter and spring whale watching is prime to catch grey whales in action. All throughout the year, you might spot dolphins and seals at play.
7. Balboa Fun Zone
If you’re traveling with kiddos, you can’t skip a visit to the Balboa Fun Zone. Located on the Balboa Peninsula, the Balboa Fun Zone has been a family-friendly attraction for more than 80 years. Take a ride on the iconic Ferris wheel and take in some of the best views of Newport Harbor and the Pacific Ocean. Don’t miss the Science of Sailing Exhibit and the Balboa Arcade. Rent a bike to cruise around the Balboa Fun Zone and village.
8. Golf The Resort at Pelican Hill
The Pelican Hill Golf Club is an awe-inspiring course with views that are impossible to forget. The Ocean North and Ocean South courses are equally stunning, so you might just have to play all 36 holes at Pelican Hill. Pelican Hill Golf Club courses are designed by Tom Fazio, who has more designs on Golf Digest’s list of “America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses” than any other living designer.
9. The Environmental Nature Center
The Environmental Nature Center is both educational and fun. The nature center features 15 native California ecosystems, a butterfly house, and a five-acre property with walking trails and waterfalls. The Environmental Nature Center is housed in an 8,500-square-foot LEED-certified building and has classrooms and educational spaces. Check for events at the Environmental Nature Center while you’re in Newport Beach.
10. The Wedge
A little slice of Newport Beach is coined The Wedge, and it’s a hub for surfers, body surfers, and bodyboarders. The waves here are actually man-made from a jetty that was built to protect Newport Harbor from storms. The Wedge is at the far east end of Balboa Peninsula. You have to be pretty experienced to ride the waves here, but it’s also fun to watch the surfers at play.